The Haunting Sound Of Pain

The courtroom was silent now
The trial is ended, no one wins;
We leave one phase of grief, as
Another one rapidly begins.

Two women sit in opposition
Once closer than sisters could be;
Now torn apart by the Hall of Justice
As "he" was taken away hastily.

The silence was almost deafening
As both sat in their thoughts and fears
One claiming a hollow victory..
The other left with nothing but tears.

Their sobs echoed through the courtroom
As others sat in weary silence;
Feeling the pain and anguish that
Had been harbored in both long since

The day this little child came forth
After years of silence from abuse;
The families now were shattered..
Even justice couldn’t be a refuge.

Her words, finally heard made the difference,
Written in her own hand...an occasional mis-spelled word;
Touched the hearts of all that were present,
No longer silent...she was finally heard!

We are left now to pick up the pieces
From irreparable damage that's occurred,
Three children go to sleep tonight without
Their father's "goodnight"...always heard.

One never considers the damaging cost
That is paid by these innocents, until
It returns to the point of beginning,
Where it remains...and always will.

Twilah Aug.2001